Aging is a risk factor for many diseases. Seniors take more medications, have weaker immune systems, and are more apt to suffer from pre-existing medical conditions, as well as mobility issues. While elderly nail fungus is not generally severe, it can be uncomfortable, and if left untreated, complications such as permanent nail damage or more serious infections can develop. Nail infections are caused by fungal organisms called fungi. These fungi can feed on keratin, present in the nails, hair, and skin. Such infections can also be caused by yeast and mold spores. The fungi get into the skin and nails from direct contact with infected materials, whether from animals, people, or clothes. Elderly nails are more likely to become brittle and have more cracks, and this makes it easier for the organisms to get inside and spread. Toenail fungus is more common than fingernail fungus. Symptoms typically include thick, discolored, brittle and damaged nails, with jagged edges and possibly a bad odor. Pain may also be present. Toenail fungus may be more prevalent in those with diabetes, recurring skin conditions, and circulation problems as these hinder the body’s ability to fight infection. If you are elderly or taking care of someone who has toenail fungus is a concern, contact a podiatrist who can help you with all foot and ankle-related conditions.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Preventing a fall is paramount for seniors, and luckily experts can recommend a number of ways to do just that. Fall-proofing the home environment is first on the list. Start by decluttering floors and narrow hallways, and choose chairs that are stable. Avoid sitting on low chairs, sofas, folding chairs, and chairs on wheels that may affect your balance. Install nightlights in hallways and lamps beside your bed, as well as adding grab bars in tub and shower areas. Remove throw rugs or loose carpeting. Other fall prevention tips include wearing shoes with non-skid soles, avoiding loose clothing that may get caught on something, and going barefoot or wearing just socks when walking in the house. Further, it’s a good idea to review medications for side-effects, such as dizziness or drowsiness, that may contribute to a fall. Having eyeglasses prescriptions updated is recommended. If you have neuropathy, arthritis, or any other foot and ankle conditions that affect your stability when standing or walking, please visit a podiatrist for information on walking aids or devices that may help.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An ingrown toenail is generally a painful foot condition. It has noticeable symptoms, and occurs as a result of the toenail growing into the surrounding skin instead of over it. The affected skin is often swollen and will appear to be red. In severe cases, an infection may set in, possibly causing bleeding. Wearing shoes that do not fit correctly can contribute significantly to developing an ingrown toenail, or it may come from genetic reasons. Many patients notice that the toe feels better when it is soaked in warm water, which can help to soften the skin. This may bring mild temporary relief, but you may ultimately need to visit a podiatrist for permanent relief. To achieve this, surgery may be necessary, and this involves removing the nail border. The purpose of this is to prevent potential damage to the soft tissues. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can offer you correct treatment options, in addition to possibly performing surgery.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot pain can be disabling. When it hurts to walk, one’s quality of life can be greatly compromised. Foot pain can have many sources, including injury to bones, ligaments, nerves, or even skin. A few causes of foot pain are bunions, plantar fasciitis, and Morton’s neuroma. Bunions are ugly bulges on the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint at the base of the big toe that occur when this joint slips out of place. With this condition, the big toe gradually moves toward the other toes and can cause the bones to become deformed as they grow. Bunions can be painful, red, swollen, and numb. Plantar fasciitis is the most frequent cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia is the band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. When it becomes inflamed, patients can experience significant pain in the heel or midfoot. This pain is often worse upon rising and decreases throughout the day. Morton’s neuroma develops when the tissue surrounding the nerve between the third and fourth toes thickens. This can cause mild to severe discomfort in the ball of the foot. Those with this condition often describe the sensation as standing on a marble or pebble. If you have pain in your feet, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and begin effective treatment so you can be more comfortable.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Westside Podiatry Center, LLP. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Liverpool, Camillus, Skaneateles, Oswego, and Cicero, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.